Apr 13, 2024 鈥 7 min read
The deadline for Real ID has been pushed back to 2023
Apr 28, 2021 鈥 2 min read
The Department of Homeland Security has pushed back the Real ID deadline 漏 Chris Hondros/Getty Images
The deadline for when American airline passengers are required to have the new Real ID for domestic flights has been postponed by 19 months due to COVID-19.
Real ID is an upgraded driver's licence that meets newer federal security standards at TSA checkpoints. It looks like a regular ID card but has a black or gold star in the upper right-hand corner to indicate that it meets the new requirements. The Department of Homeland Security is extending its enforcement date from October 1, 2021 to May 3, 2023.
This is because the pandemic has significantly impacted states鈥 ability to issue compliant driver鈥檚 licenses and identification cards, as many licensing agencies are still operating at limited capacity or have implemented appointment-only scheduling protocols. Without a Real ID-compliant driver's license, passengers aged 18 or older will have to provide alternative identification, like a passport or permanent resident card, to fly domestically, and could be subject to additional screening.
All 50 US states, the District of Columbia, and four of five US territories covered by the Real ID Act and related regulations are now compliant with its security standards and are issuing compliant driver鈥檚 licenses and identification cards.
鈥淧rotecting the health, safety, and security of our communities is our top priority,鈥 says secretary of homeland security, Alejandro N. Mayorkas. 鈥淎s our country continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, extending the Real ID full enforcement deadline will give states needed time to reopen their driver鈥檚 licensing operations and ensure their residents can obtain a Real ID-compliant license or identification card.鈥
For more information about Real ID, please visit the website .
This article was first published on March 27, 2020 and updated on April 28, 2021.
You might also like:
Europe to open to vaccinated Americans this summer - here's what you need to know
Here's how much cash US travelers left at security checkpoints in 2019
The CDC approves travel for fully vaccinated people in the US
Explore related stories
- Destination PracticalitiesCanada is big. Here鈥檚 how get around the continent-size countryDestination PracticalitiesHow to explore Florida by car, train and water taxi
Apr 7, 2024 鈥 6 min read
National ParksHow a US government shutdown could mess up your travel plans. Or notSep 30, 2023 鈥 4 min read
- Air TravelThe US will drop its last COVID-19 rules for international travelers next week
May 4, 2023 鈥 2 min read
Air TravelSummer flying forecast in the US: pricey, crowded and unpredictable. Here's how to prepareMay 1, 2023 鈥 3 min read
Air TravelSydney to be directly connected with NYC and London on these non-stop flightsMay 3, 2022 鈥 3 min read
- Air TravelOmicron in the United States: COVID-19 requirements to know before you travel
Dec 22, 2021 鈥 7 min read